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There’s nothing like lap reading.
I’m
reminded of that each time our grandson Josh cuddles up next to me with a
book. He points to a favorite part
of the picture. He tests and teases
me with his questions. Josh catches me when I skip a page and laughs out loud
when I substitute silly talk for the book text. Sometimes there’s a soundchip to hear or
a flap to lift, but usually, it’s just Josh, me and the printed page. That’s all we need for a great
experience.
Co-workers praise Kindle, and that’s fine for them. But I prefer flipping the thinly sliced
pages of a tree with my Josh.
Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 11-08-2009 11:03 PM
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What a great event!
I recently joined 130,000 book lovers at the National Book Festival on the Mall in Washington, D.C. The wind was brisk and there was a moist chill in the air, but seeing so many readers show they value reading warmed my heart.
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Most
authors slave over manuscripts that will never be published. But unlike most authors, my unpublished
work gets read: by our grandson. That’s because I write text to accompany the photos our daughter
takes. Even now, before the age of 3, Josh has a stack of books that tell his life story.
There is a short story about his day on Grandpa John’s
boat, a trip to the
St.
Louis Zoo, and a recent move from
Michigan to
Missouri. Josh has asked again and again to hear
about riding in a wagon at a local farm and flying in an airplane to
Florida.
Scrapbooks or photo albums are wonderful ways to preserve
memories, but adding words to those pages adds another layer of enjoyment to the
experiences. Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 09-05-2009 11:40 PM
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“’Nother one,” says Josh, not even glancing at the
growing stack of books piled next to the sofa. As a tired grandma nearing the end of a
long day, I know we’ve read 11 books. But as an educator, I realize we’ve done
so much more.
Josh
used a picture clue to fill in the word "horse" when he saw the animal in a
picture of a farm. He asked, “Why he
do that?” in a story about a police officer. We talked about the heavy equipment a
firefighter drags up a ladder and how a caterpillar turns into a
moth.
Reading with a child is so much more than
deciphering words on a page. When we share
a book, we help a child make sense of his experiences, expand his world
and express his feelings. And it all
happens when we read with a child.
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“Read it ‘gain,” says 2-year-old Josh.
And
our daughter Christy dutifully re-reads the postcard message I wrote to our
grandson on my latest business trip.
Soon, Josh will look like other digi-kids, with a mouse
in his hand and a screen in his face.
But Josh will still need to learn that those squiggles on a screen are
letters, those letters form words and those words have meaning.
I’m
not delusionary. Those postcards I
mail on business trips won’t “make” Josh into a reader. They won’t compel him to pick up a
book. But whether picking out
letters on the back of a cereal box, recognizing “stop” on a sign or hearing his
mom read a message from a far-away grandma, all will contribute to the language
envelope forming around this little guy. And that’s the first step to creating a reader.
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I
was sad when I left the big Book Expo
America show in
New York City .
Oh,
it was a good convention. In spite
of the economic crisis, the exhibit floor was crowded with publishers, retailers
and librarians looking at the newest books. There were wonderful products that will
top bestseller lists even in today’s digital world. And as the new releases launch,
techno-kids will be delighted to see the creative integration of tech
in so many books. But in too many booths, something was
missing – picture books – and that made me sad.
That’s not surprising: the cost of producing picture
books might be viewed as an extravagance as the market shifts and publishers
downsize. Some have even asked,
“Are picture books dead?”
I
certainly hope not, because nothing can replace the joy of sharing a big,
beautiful picture book with a child. Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 06-04-2009 09:55 PM
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Nathan can sit up unaided. He manages to balance alone for a while, but then, like many 7-month-olds, eventually topples over. But he’s learning, and I’m so glad. Soon, he will be able not only to sit
independently, but also look at a book by himself.
Until now, our little grandson has only been able to
“read” when sitting on a lap. That
will change, and I can’t wait.
Of
course, Nathan might still prefer chewing a book to actually looking at the
pages. But he’s already learned
that books are good! Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 05-03-2009 08:50 PM
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I’m
hungry … for time to read.
I
really crave a good book right now. I’d love to settle into that comfy chair on the balcony and turn the
pages as spring raindrops fall just beyond my reach.
I
hope our grandsons grow up with this same hunger for reading. In our family, I’m known as the “Book
Grandma,” because the boxes I ship with love often include books along with the
homemade trail mix. I travel with
address labels for our grandsons and usually end a business trip by dropping
postcards into an airport mailbox. When visiting the boys, I love to accompany them to library story time,
even though Josh is only 2 years old and Nathan is 6 months old.
Will
what I do as a long-distance grandma help these little guys grow up with a
hunger for books? There are no
guarantees, but I do hope that Josh and Nathan
discover that reading is one of life’s greatest
pleasures.
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Years ago, fellow students at Illinois State University probably wondered why I was a library science student. After all, I was often “shushed” for talking too loudly in the stacks. Today, I wouldn’t have that problem.
Today’s library is emerging from the whispered shadows, and it is a happening place. Children and families can download audio books, attend movie nights, borrow DVDs or participate in a Guitar Hero event. And yes, there are shelves overflowing with wonderful, wonderful books.
The culture of libraries needed to change. As a student teacher, I worked with one librarian who didn’t want children to check out books because the shelves would look empty! Today’s libraries aren’t just about great books: libraries are about communication, education, information and serving the public. Isn’t that terrific?
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Yesterday was a long day.
An early morning flight out of
San Diego was
delayed. That flight finally landed
in Dallas after
our connecting flight had left. We
arrived in
Baltimore after midnight, so we rang in the new
year at baggage claim.
It wasn’t
the best way to welcome 2009, but the situation could have been worse. Fortunately, I had packed a stack of
books. Time flew faster than the
planes, thanks to the joy of reading for sheer pleasure.
Perhaps a good new year resolution would be to “read for fun.” I know from experience it makes the
miles fly by. Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 01-01-2009 08:15 PM
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Holiday predictors are probably correct: tech toys will again peek out of
stockings and fill space under Christmas trees. While the digi-playthings are great, I
hope families don’t miss all the wonderful holiday books that are such a
treasure to open year after year.
When
our children were young, the day after Thanksgiving we’d dig out the box labeled
“Christmas books.” What a
treat! Because new books were added
each year, the box became the heaviest in our holiday storage section. We’ve passed along many of those
favorite titles to our daughter and son-in-law to share with our grandsons … and
that box is already the heaviest in their holiday storage section. After all, it’s loaded not only with
books, but also with memories. Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 12-01-2008 04:36 PM
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What happens when a 4-week-old joins a 22-month-old on the living room sofa? The toddler reads to the infant.
At least, that's what's been happening with our two
grandsons.
Josh pats the brown sofa and says, "Right there." Then,
with newborn Nathan propped up "right there," Josh opens a book and "reads" to
his little brother.
Could anything be more wonderful? Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 11-03-2008 03:48 PM
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“Tell me a story, Josh.”
With
that invitation, our grandson launches into an extensive litany of jibber
jabber. Except for the occasional
“bus” or “ca-ca” (car), I don’t understand a word, but it’s clear this
toddler knows a story is told with expression and people should
listen.
Josh
is 18 months old. What a joy he’s
already learned that a good story can hold an audience spell-bound. Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 09-28-2008 11:17 AM
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What
a thrill: I just received the first
Korean edition for one of my books. In addition to English, my books have been published in 10 other
languages: Afrikaans, Arabic,
Australian (British spelling), French, German, Indonesian, Korean, Portuguese,
Russian and Spanish (both domestic and overseas versions).
It’s
humbling to look at a book cover and not be able to read my own name. I wonder if a toddler feels the same way
when he sees letters on a page that only look like squiggles ...
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As a
child, I never got caught in the “rush to finish reading” to earn the library
goody bag for summer program participants. I finished the required number of books within weeks of the program
launch. Quite honestly, I would not
have invested the same energy in math, so if the library had promoted math, I
would have failed miserably.
As
our little grandson, Josh, grows up, I hope he, too, will experience the sheer
joy of reading for pleasure. As a
toddler, he’s getting a good start. hanks to his parents, Josh is surrounded by books. His dad reads to him every night before
bedtime. His mom reads to him
during the day. And Josh sees his
parents read magazines – well, if they don’t have time to read the magazines, at
least magazines are still lying around, so the house passes the “10-step test.”
Try this: Can your child take 10 steps forward and find something to read? If so, congratulations! You not only pass the test, you have put
your child in a language envelope, which is the first step to independent
reading.
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School children often ask during author visits, “How does
a book become a book?” Although I
show them edited manuscripts and illustrator’s black and white sketches, the
scribbles that appear on paper reflects an easy part of the writing
process. What’s agonizing are the
back-and-forth discussions before you land exactly the right title or
tweak a page design to make it perfect. I love my newest title that Scholastic is releasing this fall. The behind-the-scenes effort by a whole
team of people will pay off if you love the book, too. Let me know.Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 07-08-2008 07:31 AM
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Are
you taking a stacation this summer? Against a backdrop of skyrocketing prices at the gas pump and the
uncertain economy, many families are choosing to vacation in their own backyard,
i.e. a “stacation.” Wherever you
vacation, a book is the easiest traveling partner, and often, the most
fun.Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 06-05-2008 04:02 PM
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"Are you worried that Kindle and other wireless readers will replace printed books?"
I shook my head "no" when I was asked that question recently.
As a road warrior, I understand the appeal of the amazingly small and portable Kindle. And although I've observed friends enjoy books on the screen, for me, the gray scale still can't compete with reading a good story in printed form, especially when there's also a child on my lap.
Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 03-29-2008 04:11 PM
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As a
library science student and classroom teacher, I loved doing storytimes. But recently I was on the other side of
the book with our 1-year-old grandson, Josh. He has attended regular
storytimes for the past six months. What a wonderful program! In
professional literature, I've read about "Libraries 2.0," referring to
emerging "next gen libraries" driven by technology, but this time-honored
practice of reading to children is still at the heart of library
services.
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02-14-2008 07:58 PM
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Katy Coyle
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My son has been sick and teething at the same time (3 molars coming in at the same time - poor little guy). It's like the universe is getting back at me for something I did as a child (I'm sorry, Mom!). So lately, he has been finding solace in Finding Nemo and Noggin. Everytime I turn on the tube, there is a little wrench in my gut that cries out "He should be reading. He should be playing. He should be doing long division. Anything but TV." But then I just melt when I see him stop crying and relax, even for just 20 minutes. It is tough being torn like that, I just want him to feel better but I see him moving farther away from his love of reading and closer and closer to the television. I have to say it worried me. But then, a miracle, of sorts. We opened Grandma and Grandpa's Valentine's Day gift and it was a box shaped like a fish tank (he LOVES fish). When we opened it up, it was full of little books shaped like fish. Each book had a story about that particular sea creature. My little man squealed - literally squealed - with joy. I have never seen such pure joy from him before. And with that 2 second high pitched scream, he restored my faith that he is still my little reader.
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I just saw my newest book.
That first glance is always scary and exciting. Even now, with more than 40 books in print, the same questions zip through my head: Will the cover look as good as it did on the computer screen? Will the book “feel” right? And finally, how does it read?
The front cover of My First Read and Learn Favorite Bible Verses looks great. I even like the back cover (especially the dedication to our grandson. The book feels really solid in my hands. But how does it read? That’s the important question; you will have the answer. Let me know what you think.
Message Edited by Dr.Mary on 02-14-2008 02:14 PM
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01-07-2008 05:31 PM
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Katy Coyle
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At 15 months, my little Austin is becoming such a big boy! His doc pointed out that he will be more independent - is he ever! Most of our meals together involve a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to save the paint on the walls and vigorous scrubbing of the high chair. His newest form of declaring his lack of need for me is with books. He's been playing with toys on his own for awhile now, but books were always our "thing". Now I find him huddled in a corner flipping pages, jabbering to himself as if he were reading along. He's even taking books to bed with him. (my plan is working *insert evil laugh*) ha! I hope he keeps it up for years to come!
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According to airline figures, I had nearly 60 flights in 2007. Uneventful travel is a true blessing, as delays and cancellations are now an expected element of travel. That’s the reason I always pack a stack of books in my carry-on.
Books have always been my friends. Even if my plane is snowbound or #15 in the de-icing line, I know I can escape with a good book.
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A book is a gift that keeps giving.
That fact has been on my radar screen during this whole first year of Josh’s life. How many times he’s looked at the books I’ve given him. (I am honored to be his “book grandma.”) Josh celebrates his first birthday this month, and he already has learned that books are associated with a caring person who gives time and attention, love, and a lap.
Many presents will be exchanged during the coming weeks, but nothing will ever substitute for a person who shares gifts from the heart.
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18 ½ books at a sitting. That’s his personal best. Nestled on his parent’s lap, 11-month-old Joshua pats pictures and turns pages. When the book is finished, he turns to the basket and pulls out the next book. As his mom says, “Josh has never met a food or book he doesn’t like.” His current menu includes various fruits, vegetables, meats and breastmilk. His library includes board books, soft books, plastic books and those with music. Good food. Good books. Josh has a good foundation for life.
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10-24-2007 10:05 AM
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Katy Coyle
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We recently went to the dr. for Austin's 1 year check up. She noted that he was doing well, but should be able to discern eyes, ears, nose and mouth by now. So, of course, I panicked and we started on a crash course of "What's on Mommy's face?". What I didn't stop to realize were all of the other things that he knows. He can find a dog anywhere - every page of a book, you can ask "where's the dog" and he will either find it on the page or turn to a page that has one. If you ask him to bring you a book, he goes right to the shelf, sifts through until he finds the one he wants and then brings one over. And when he's done, puts it back.
I know I have written about his love of books before, but after the initial panic at the dr.'s office, I realized that although it is good for him to learn these things, maybe the best place for him to do so is through the books he already loves. So now instead of mommy's nose, we find baby's nose or horse's nose, etc. on the pages of his favorite reads. Just goes to confirm my belief that maybe, just maybe, this kid knows what he's doing and I just need to follow along.
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10-12-2007 02:08 PM
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Katy Coyle
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Well, I am back and one baby richer. We had another boy, James Stephen. He is the spitting image of his dad and loves to watch his brother Austin run around. We recently took them both to their first public library. We moved to a new area and I had to take Austin out of his daycare that he loved so much, so we were looking for places (free places) where other kids would be. The library is it, folks! Holy kid-fest! They have something almost every day of the week for kids. Granted, for different age groups, but still, a place to go and socialize (kids and mommies) is a huge help!
We went to "Books and Babies" at our library where all of the kids and parents sat around in a circle and the librarian read a book, then played music and sang songs. Then she read another book, and so on. These kids sat still or behaved for 30 minutes. 1 and 2 year olds - 30 minutes!!! I couldn't believe it. And my little bruiser was one of them! At one point, he even sluffed off his shyness and started dancing to the music. We played instruments and sang along and when the books came out, all of the kids just sat and listened as they were read.
It was really an amazing thing to see - thank you to the public library system and their excellent librarians. We will be back every Thursday from 10:30am-11am with our babies for our books! Can't wait to get Austin his first library card!
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Do real men read? I hope my young grandson, Josh, never asks this question. Our society applauds boys who are gifted in athletics and skilled with technology, but I don’t see such strong support for boys who read. Unfortunately, we’re clearly off-message, because a whole generation of little guys is growing up without the sheer joy of reading for fun. Manga, comic and graphic novel developers hope to target boys, but it would make a bigger impact if people significant to boys support reading. People like dads, coaches and teachers. A friend told me that once his daughter starts reading a new series, “she just keeps going. That’s just the way she is with books.” I hope I can say that about Josh 10 years from now.
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09-20-2007 09:53 PM
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Katy Coyle
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Well, tomorrow is the big day for my family. Baby number 2 is coming into this crazy world. I was reflecting a bit today while mindlessly twirling a Drug Store Book Rack trying to decide which book to buy for myself. Then the thought hit me - when am I going to have time to read a "grown up" novel? Answer: probably never. But then I started thinking of all of the buzzing bee sounds and mooing cow noise I have been making lately for my son. While ridiculous to an outside observer, they send him into smile and giggle fits instantly. Probably never doesn't seem so bad. Back in a couple of weeks!
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09-12-2007 10:03 PM
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Katy Coyle
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Hi everyone - this is my first time blogging, so be kind with your comments! I have an 11 month old son, Austin, who will turn 1 six days after my second child, TBD, is born. "2under2" makes more sense now! I recently went on Maternity Leave from Scholastic and decided to try my hand (or fingers, more accurately) at blogging.
Until recently, I didn't understand blogging, but I suppose it is much like writing to a friend or in a journal. Writing has always been a passion of mine, that and reading. Every time I pass a library I have the overwhelming urge to go in, find a corner and stay for hours. I was worried for a long while that my son, Austin, (who looks and acts JUST like his dad, btw) was only playing with his toys and not gravitating to his books. I decided not to push them on him, but so desparately wanted him to love them like I do. Granted, he isn't 1 yet, so I cut the kid some slack.
But then just the other day, he pulled all of his toys and books out of his toy basket separating them into 2 piles - toys and books. To my surprise (and joy), he pushed the toy pile out of the way and started "reading" the books. And now, he may not be reading them and he may only turn the pages before anyone can read anything, but he is engaging himself with books, just like his mom! Glad I passed on something!
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